Are There Diet Sodas That Use Stevia? Your Guide to Natural Sweetened Drinks

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

Demand for stevia, a plant-based sweetener, has surged as consumers look for healthier soda options. A growing number of brands offer products sweetened with stevia leaf extract.

Quick Summary

Many brands use stevia to sweeten their sodas. Discover the benefits and potential drawbacks of using this plant-based sweetener in beverages.

Key Points

Stevia-Sweetened Sodas Exist: Several commercial diet sodas, notably Zevia and Green Cola, use stevia leaf extract for sweetness instead of artificial sweeteners.
Zevia is a Leading Brand: Zevia is a well-known brand that offers a comprehensive line of zero-calorie, sugar-free sodas sweetened exclusively with stevia.
Blends vs. Pure Stevia: Some brands and discontinued products (like Coca-Cola Life) used a blend of stevia with sugar or other sweeteners, while others like Zevia use pure stevia.
DIY Options are Available: Flavored liquid stevia drops can be added to sparkling water to create a custom, zero-calorie soda at home.
Consider the Aftertaste: A notable concern with stevia is a potential aftertaste, which varies by brand and individual sensitivity.
Health Benefits and Considerations: Stevia-sweetened sodas offer zero calories and are diabetic-friendly, but consuming products with added sugar alcohols can lead to digestive issues.
Check the Label Carefully: Consumers should read labels to determine if a diet soda uses stevia exclusively or in a blend with other sweeteners like sugar or erythritol.

The Shift to Natural Sweeteners in the Soda Industry

For decades, diet soda was synonymous with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. However, changing consumer preferences have led to a significant shift towards more natural, plant-based ingredients. Stevia, derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has emerged as a popular alternative, offering zero calories and a sweet taste. This move responds to a market demanding products perceived as cleaner and more health-conscious.

The search for a 'holy grail' of diet sweeteners has prompted major players and niche brands alike to experiment with stevia. While some large corporations initially launched products with mixed sweetener blends, smaller, dedicated brands have built their entire identity around stevia-sweetened products. This has created a diverse landscape for consumers, with options ranging from established names to specialized, health-focused labels.

Leading Brands of Stevia-Sweetened Sodas

Zevia: A Stevia-Only Pioneer

Zevia is arguably the most well-known brand in the stevia-sweetened soda space. The Los Angeles-based company has built its entire product line on the promise of zero calories, zero sugar, and no artificial ingredients, using only stevia leaf extract for sweetness. Zevia's extensive flavor lineup includes classic cola, fruity options like Black Cherry and Grape, and nostalgic flavors like Cream Soda and Root Beer.

Zero Calories & Sugar: All Zevia products are naturally sweetened with stevia, resulting in a zero-calorie, zero-sugar drink.
Non-GMO Project Verified: The brand emphasizes its use of natural, non-GMO ingredients.
Wide Availability: Zevia is widely available in grocery stores and online, making it an accessible option for many consumers.

Green Cola: The European Zero-Sugar Option

Originating in Europe, Green Cola has gained traction for its commitment to natural sweeteners. This soda is sweetened exclusively with stevia leaf extract, resulting in a product with zero calories, zero sugar, and no preservatives. Green Cola also sets itself apart by using natural caffeine from green coffee beans, providing an energy boost without the artificial additives.

The Evolution of Major Soda Brands

Even global beverage giants have entered the stevia market, albeit with mixed results. Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi experimented with stevia-sweetened products, though they were often blended with sugar to mimic traditional soda taste.

Coca-Cola Life: Introduced around 2013, Coca-Cola Life was a reduced-calorie soda sweetened with a mix of sugar and stevia. However, it was eventually discontinued in many markets around 2020 due to poor sales, sometimes replaced by a zero-calorie version sweetened with stevia only.
Pepsi True: In 2014, PepsiCo launched Pepsi True, another mid-calorie soda sweetened with a blend of sugar and stevia. This product was also discontinued before 2020.

These examples highlight that while consumers crave natural alternatives, the taste profile of traditional cola is difficult to replicate without a combination of sweeteners. Still, their attempts signaled the growing importance of stevia in the industry.

Other Brands and DIY Stevia Soda

Several other brands and product types use stevia to achieve a diet soda experience:

Langers Zero Craft Cola: Another brand offering a stevia-sweetened craft cola option.
Thirsty Buddha Vintage Cola: A caffeine-free, vintage cola flavored sparkling soda that is stevia-sweetened.
Liquid Stevia Drops: Brands like SweetLeaf and CraveStevia offer flavored liquid stevia drops, which can be added to sparkling water to create a customized soda with zero calories.

Stevia vs. Other Sweeteners: A Comparison

To make an informed choice, it's helpful to compare stevia to traditional sugar and common artificial sweeteners found in diet sodas. This table summarizes the key differences:


Feature	Stevia Leaf Extract	Traditional Sugar	Aspartame & Sucralose (Artificial)
Source	Plant-based, natural	Sugar cane/beets	Synthetic, chemical
Calories	Zero	High	Zero
Carbohydrates	Zero	High	Zero
Taste	Very sweet; some find a licorice or bitter aftertaste	Standard sweet taste	Very sweet; no aftertaste for some, metallic for others
Effect on Blood Sugar	Zero impact (suitable for diabetics)	Significant increase	Varies among individuals; some may experience spikes
Baking Suitability	Not 1:1; may require bulking agents	Excellent	Not 1:1; heat can affect stability
Side Effects	Generally safe; excessive amounts can cause digestive issues	Numerous health issues associated with high intake	Some concern over long-term effects; generally FDA-approved

The Pros and Cons of Stevia-Sweetened Drinks

Advantages

Zero Calories: Stevia's zero-calorie profile makes it an excellent tool for weight management and reducing overall caloric intake.
Natural Source: For those seeking a 'cleaner' ingredient list, stevia offers a plant-based alternative to synthetic artificial sweeteners.
Diabetic-Friendly: As stevia has a zero glycemic index, it does not impact blood glucose levels, making it a safe choice for individuals with diabetes.

Considerations

Aftertaste: Not all stevia extracts are created equal, and some people are sensitive to a perceived bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, especially in early formulations.
Digestive Issues: Some stevia products are combined with sugar alcohols like erythritol to improve taste and bulk. These can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and gas, in large amounts.
Potential Health Interactions: While generally safe, stevia can potentially interact with medications for blood pressure and diabetes due to its diuretic properties. It's best to consult a doctor, especially for regular consumption.

Conclusion

Yes, diet sodas that use stevia are available and have become a popular choice for many consumers. Brands like Zevia and Green Cola lead the charge with zero-calorie, plant-based options, offering a wide array of flavors. Major companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have also experimented with stevia, indicating its importance as a sugar alternative. While stevia provides compelling benefits like zero calories and a natural origin, consumers should be aware of potential aftertaste and the presence of other sweeteners in some products. Exploring brands and even creating your own custom soda with liquid stevia drops allows for personalized and healthier beverage options. For more information on the side effects of stevia and recommended intake, resources from reputable health organizations can be helpful, such as this overview on Medical News Today(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319837).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, several diet sodas use stevia. The most prominent example is Zevia, which offers a full line of zero-calorie, sugar-free sodas sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Other brands like Green Cola also use stevia.

Zevia sodas are sweetened with stevia leaf extract, a plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener. For a period, they also used monk fruit and erythritol, but they have since reformulated to use only stevia.

Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi have experimented with stevia. Coca-Cola Life (sweetened with stevia and sugar) and Pepsi True (stevia and sugar blend) were both discontinued in many markets. However, some regions may have zero-calorie Coca-Cola variants sweetened with stevia only.

Yes, the taste can differ. While stevia is very sweet, some people detect a slight licorice-like or bitter aftertaste. The exact flavor can vary between brands and formulations, and is also dependent on individual sensitivity.

Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener and is often preferred by consumers seeking to avoid artificial ingredients. It provides zero calories and has no impact on blood sugar, but safety profiles of all FDA-approved sweeteners are generally considered safe in moderation.

Yes, you can. You can purchase flavored or unflavored liquid stevia drops and add them to sparkling water. This allows you to control the level of sweetness and flavor.

Most people can consume stevia without issues. However, excessive consumption, particularly of products containing sugar alcohols, can cause bloating, gas, or nausea. Stevia can also potentially interact with medications for blood pressure and diabetes, so consultation with a doctor is advised for regular users.

Green Cola is sweetened with 100% stevia leaf extract, with zero calories and no sugar. It also uses natural caffeine from green coffee beans.

Yes, pure stevia does not affect blood glucose levels and is generally considered safe for people with diabetes. It is important to check labels, as some products may use a blend of sweeteners that includes sugar.